Kurt McCabe Interview

AURORA, Ill. – Iowa native Kurt McCabe came into the 2009 AMA Arenacross Series looking for success and hopefully a breakout season. Competing in both the premier AMA Arenacross and AMA Arenacross Lites classes throughout the season, McCabe experienced mixed results overall, but provided consistent finishes in the Central Region Lites Championship to capture the crown.

A string of top-five finishes throughout the five-race championship put McCabe in position to take his first AMA Arenacross Lites title heading into the final round in Tulsa, Okla. Needing to either out-finish or stay close to rival Justin Berry, McCabe put in a solid effort and did what he had to do, finishing fifth overall and bringing home the title by just one point.

What does it mean to win this championship?
It’s hard to say. It’s the first AMA title that I’ve ever won and my first championship racing arenacross. So I guess it feels pretty good.

It seemed like consistency was the key for you. Was that the approach you intended to take?
I definitely went out to win every time. But in about every race I was on the ground so for me to end up winning the championship in the end I guess (consistency) really worked out.

The majority of your finishes reflect some strong runs. Given that you fell, doesn’t that boost your confidence in your ability?
Yeah I guess so. Kentucky was my real bad one. I finished one night in last place and the other night in like second to last place. That’s when (Justin) Berry really closed the gap on me. That’s when I really began to worry about it.

Did you know where you had to finish to clinch the title? How did that affect your mentality for the race?
I tried not to think about it. I told everybody to not even talk about it. I just knew that I had to either beat Berry or finish right behind him. After he got a good start I knew I had my work cut out for me. I just buckled down and he made a couple mistakes and I finished just behind him.

How has the support from your team been as far as bikes and overall performance?
The bikes are really strong. Storm Lake Honda has done so much for me, this year and in the past. My RPG motors, there’s nothing like them. They absolutely rip. And without my team manager we wouldn’t have gotten this whole thing together and I guess I wouldn’t be where I am now.

What’s next for you?
I think I’m going to go ride the Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites championship.

And what do you hope to accomplish there?
I definitely hope to make the mains. I believe that I can and I definitely hope I am able to. The AMA Arenacross class unfortunately hasn’t worked out for me. I’ve had some bad luck and I’m not in a position to do anything (in the championship).

With a championship under your belt, what do you hope to accomplish in the AMA Arenacross Series next year?
I definitely want to be in the top 10 the whole year. I’d like to really finish in the top five (in the races). One of these days my luck will turn around (for a win).

The AMA Arenacross Series heads to the Live Event Center in Reno, Nev., next weekend, February 27-March 1. Tickets are available online at www.arenacross.com, www.ticketmaster.com, www.tickets.com. For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series log on to www.arenacross.com.

About Feld Motor Sports

Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy® Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA® Nitro Jam®.  Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world’s largest producer of live family entertainment.  For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.